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Michael Allen Harrison is a prolific piano artist whose holiday creations have delighted me for years (for example, see his Christmas Anthology, reviewed in 2008). His artful piano renderings burst with creative style, emotional warmth, and breathtaking improvisation. Listening to his most recent release, Songs of Mary, I bask in the glow of Harrison's "new age" music with a classical core, or perhaps classical music with a "new age" bent; whatever it is, the flowing cascade of music envelops me like a warm embrace. I am safe and warm.

Performed at The Grotto (The National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother) in beautiful Portland, Oregon, this album is a reverent homage to the Sacred Mother. As such, Songs of Mary is perfect for the holidays--and equally perfect throughout the year. Why? Its central theme is the Virgin Mary, and the gentle music is accordingly contemplative and richly woven with uplifting themes of love, sacrifice, and devotion. No traditional holiday melody presents itself; this music is universal.

Even if you (like me) are not religious in the traditional sense, Songs of Mary provides a spiritual experience that transcends the ordinary. The well-executed instrumentals flow cleanly, the music is tenderly delivered with bright overtones, and there is a devout, almost prayerful, ambiance that pervades most tracks. It is almost like being in your own personal "church"; what a great opportunity for contemplation and self-reflection!

But I digress! Should you check out Michael Allen Harrison's Songs of Mary? Yes. Although the album lacks familiar holiday fare, it creates a beautiful Christmas experience on a wholly different plane. Excellent!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2009)

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From the liner notes:

Performed at The Grotto, The National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother.

No visit to the Portland, Oregon, area would be complete without a trip to The Grotto, an internationally-renowned Catholic sanctuary that welcomes more than 250,000 guests from all faiths and all walks of life each year.

Established in 1924 in honor of Mary, the mother of Jesus, this peaceful 62-acre sanctuary is truly an oasis in the city, with lush green first towering over colorful rhododendrons and other native Pacific Northwest plants. The heart of the sanctuary, Our Lady's Grotto, is a magnificent rock cave carved into the base of a 110-foot cliff. A marble replica of Michelangelo's famous Pieta is featured in ts center.

The manicured gardens of The Grotto's upper level offer magnificent panaoramic vistas of the Columbia River Valley, the Cascade Range and famous Mount St. Helens. Especially impressive is the 180-degree floor-to-ceiling view through the beveled glass wall of the spectacular Meditation Chapel, featured on the cover of Architecture magazine. Other highlights include the Servite Monastery, a life-sized bronze sculpture of St. Francis of Assisi, the streams and reflection ponds of the Peace Garden and the Via Matris, offering superg examples of wood sculpture. The Grotto has been continuously staffed by the Order of Servants of Mary since its inception.

The Grotto is grateful for the enduring friendship and support of artist Michael Allen Harrison. It is our hope that these Songs of Mary will inspire and refresh the listener.


From the artist's Website:

Steinway Signature artist, Michael Allen Harrison's music is best described as a genre of its own. His cutting edge, classical contemporary style carves a distinct niche of timeless music which far exceeds the scales of his Steinway keyboard. As a sought after producer, composer and arranger, this well-known concert pianist has been in the music scene for over two decades.

Michael Allen Harrison

Songs of Mary

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Track List